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Territory of United Kingdom

Polynesia

Pitcairn IslandsTravel guide

Explore Pitcairn Islands visa rules

The Pitcairn Islands are a tiny, remote group in the South Pacific and a British overseas territory. Most of the roughly four dozen residents descend from the Bounty mutineers and their Polynesian companions.

Why go

  1. Explore Bounty history in Adamstown and Bounty Bay.

  2. See rugged cliffs, caves and wide ocean views.

  3. Visit nearby islands for beaches, coral reefs and rare birds.

  4. Experience island life through a home-stay.

Getting there

By air

  • There is no airstrip on the islands. Pitcairn is also beyond the range of helicopters flying from land.
  • The nearest airport is Mangareva in the Gambier Islands, 530 km away. Air Tahiti flies there from Tahiti on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
  • From Mangareva airport, take the taxi ferry to Rikitea village to meet your ship. The ferry costs 500 F one way.

By sea

  • The Silver Supporter carries passengers from Mangareva to Pitcairn about 26 times a year. The return fare is NZ$6,000.
  • The sea journey from Mangareva takes about 32 hours. Your stay must fit the ship's arrival and departure schedule.

Customs

  • Do not bring bees or beekeeping equipment. The island's bees are certified disease-free.

Getting around

  • Walking

    Walking is one of the main ways to get around. Most routes are very rugged dirt trails. A short paved road runs from Bounty Bay up the Hill of Difficulty to Adamstown.

  • All-terrain vehicles

    Residents also use personal all-terrain vehicles to travel around the island.

  • Bicycle

    A bicycle is usually available to rent.

What to see and do

  • Bounty Bay

    A few remains of the Bounty lie here. The mutineers deliberately burned and sank the ship.

  • Adamstown town square

    The Bounty's anchor stands outside the Public Hall. The library, post office and Adventist church are also here.

  • Pitcairn Island Museum

    See Bounty objects, including Fletcher Christian's Bible, along with stamps and other items from island life.

  • John Adams's grave

    John Adams was the last surviving mutineer. His is the only mutineer's grave that has been preserved.

  • Fletcher Christian's cave

    The lead mutineer is said to have watched for ships or hidden from other settlers here. The cave is uphill beyond the school.

  • Garnet's Ridge and Highest Point

    Garnet's Ridge offers views east and west from 300 m. Highest Point reaches 337 m.

Food and drink

  • Local seafood

    Deep-fried nanwi, or bluefish, is a local favourite. Tuna, red snapper, grouper and wahoo are also common.

  • Pilhi

    A baked dish made from mashed banana, sweet potato or breadfruit with sugar and milk. It has a custard-like texture.

  • Co-operative general store

    Stocks imported food from New Zealand and French Polynesia, mostly ordered in advance. It opens for one hour on three mornings each week.

  • Christian's Cafe

    Opens on Fridays from 18:30 until late. It also has a bar.

  • Browns Bakery

    Sells freshly baked goods in the square every second Thursday at 17:00.

  • Bounty Delectable

    Serves takeaway meals on Wednesdays, including the island's largest burgers.

Money

New Zealand dollar (NZD), written as NZ$ or $. One dollar is divided into 100 cents.

  • New Zealand dollars are the standard currency when money is used.
  • Australian dollars, British pounds and US dollars are also accepted.
  • Residents often exchange goods and share food and supplies.
  • Most goods must be imported, which affects their prices.

Typical costs

  • Silver Supporter return passage: NZ$6,000.
  • Mangareva airport taxi ferry: 500 F one way.
  • Home-stay: NZ$120–200, as listed in October 2025; the source does not state the charging period.

Language

  • English is the official language and is spoken by everyone.
  • Residents speak Pitkern among themselves, a mixture of 18th-century English and Tahitian with sailing terms.
All hands
Everyone.

Staying safe

  • Swimming in the open ocean is generally unsafe because of the rocky shoreline.
  • Use St Paul's Pool only when the sea is calm enough.
  • Most walking routes are very rugged dirt trails.
  • Infrequent typhoons can occur from November to March.

Local customs

Do

  • Wear reasonably modest clothing suited to the tropical climate.
  • Respect Saturday as a day of rest or worship.
  • Be sensitive about the island's sexual abuse trials. The subject remains painful for the close-knit community.

Don't

  • Avoid dancing, public displays of affection and cigarette smoking, which are frowned upon.
  • Avoid expressing strong opinions about the trials or related sovereignty disputes.
  • Do not bring bees or beekeeping equipment.

Staying healthy

  • A New Zealand doctor works on the island. The small clinic has dental and X-ray equipment and emergency medicines.
  • The clinic cannot handle major medical problems. Evacuation may depend on a passing ship and take days or weeks.
  • The island is beyond the range of all evacuation helicopters.
  • The source strongly recommends a full medical check-up a couple of weeks before arrival.

Phone and internet

  • Most households have internet access. Ask your home-stay host about charges.
  • Adamstown has a fourth-generation mobile network. The source describes a shared connection speed of 5 megabits per second across all islanders.
  • Each household has a private telephone, and the country calling code is +64. Using the old +870 code may greatly increase call costs.

Where to stay

  • Arrange a home-stay before arrival; meals and laundry are included. Ask your host about telephone and internet charges.
  • Private self-contained bungalows are another accommodation option.
  • Jacq's Place offers accommodation, Polynesian massage and acupuncture treatments.
  • For accommodation enquiries, contact the Tourism Coordinator at tourism@pitcairn.pn or use Pitcairn's official travel site.

Outdoor adventures in Pitcairn Islands

The Pitcairn Islands offer rugged viewpoints, caves, coral reefs and rare birds in a remote part of the South Pacific. Calm seas are important for swimming and boat trips. Medical care is limited, and evacuation can take days or weeks.

  • Swimming in St Paul's Pool

    More to doEastern Pitcairn Island

    Visit the tidal pool among the seaside rocks on eastern Pitcairn.

    • Swim only when the ocean is calm enough.
    • Swimming in the open ocean is generally unsafe because of the rocky shoreline.

  • Bounty remains in Bounty Bay

    Scuba divingPitcairn Island

    The remains lie underwater in Bounty Bay. Dive arrangements are not specified.

  • Oeno Island beaches

    BeacheOeno Island

    Sail to Oeno yourself or perhaps travel with local residents.

  • Oeno Island coral reefs and shipwrecks

    SnorkellingOeno Island

    Reach Oeno by sailing yourself or perhaps travelling with local residents. Snorkelling arrangements are not specified.

  • Henderson Island birdwatching

    WildlifeHenderson Island

    Sail to Henderson yourself or perhaps travel with local residents.

  • Henderson Island ancient caves

    CaveHenderson Island

    Reach Henderson by sailing yourself or perhaps travelling with local residents. Cave access arrangements are not specified.

  • Henderson Island coral reefs and shipwrecks

    SnorkellingHenderson Island

    Reach Henderson by sailing yourself or perhaps travelling with local residents. Snorkelling arrangements are not specified.

  • Fletcher Christian's Cave

    HikePitcairn Islandnear Adamstown

    Go past the school in Adamstown and continue farther uphill towards the cave.

  • Garnet's Ridge

    HikePitcairn Island

    Visit Garnet's Ridge for views. The route and transport arrangements are not specified.

  • Highest Point

    HikePitcairn Island

    Visit the island's highest point. The route and transport arrangements are not specified.

  • Down Rope

    BeacheSoutheastern Pitcairn Island

    Down Rope is on the island's southeastern edge. Access to the cliff and beach is not specified.

  • Gudgeon

    CaveSouthwestern Pitcairn Island

    Gudgeon is a sea-level cave on the southwest side of Pitcairn. Access arrangements are not specified.

  • Ducie Island rare birds

    WildlifeDucie Island

    Ducie requires a sea journey beyond the range of the islanders' boats. No visitor transport arrangements are specified.

    • The island is over 480 km away and beyond the range of local boats.

  • Mr Turpin at Tedside

    WildlifeNorthwestern Pitcairn Island

    Visit Tedside on Pitcairn's northwest shore. Transport arrangements are not specified.

  • Sailing to the other Pitcairn Islands

    SailingPitcairn Islands

    Sail yourself or perhaps travel with local residents to another island.

    • Infrequent typhoons can occur from November to March.
    • Ducie is beyond the range of the islanders' boats.

People and safety in Pitcairn Islands

LGBT+ travellers

Legal

  • Same-sex couples can marry.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 101 of 101 countries can visit Pitcairn Islands easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required101

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Africa54 of 54 countries
  • Americas19 of 19 countries
  • Oceania14 of 14 countries
  • Asia10 of 10 countries
  • Europe4 of 4 countries

Questions

Is Pitcairn Islands part of United Kingdom?

Pitcairn Islands is a territory linked to United Kingdom, with its own entry rules. Check them separately even if you can visit United Kingdom.

Does a United Kingdom visa let me visit Pitcairn Islands?

Not automatically. Many territories set their own entry rules, so a visa or visa-free entry for United Kingdom may not cover Pitcairn Islands. Check the Pitcairn Islands visa page for your passport.

Can I fly directly to Pitcairn?

No. There is no airstrip; travellers can fly to Mangareva and continue by ship.

How long is the boat journey?

The journey from Mangareva takes about 32 hours. Your stay must fit the ship's schedule.

What is the weather like?

The climate is humid and tropical, with average temperatures from 16°C on winter nights to 30°C on summer days. Rain falls throughout the year, with slightly wetter winters.

Do I need to speak Pitkern?

English is spoken by everyone. Residents mainly use Pitkern among themselves.

What money can I use?

New Zealand dollars are standard. Australian dollars, British pounds and US dollars are also accepted.

What does a home-stay include?

Home-stays include all meals and laundry and must be arranged before arrival. Ask your host about telephone and internet charges.

Can I swim in the sea?

Swimming along Pitcairn's rocky shoreline is generally unsafe. St Paul's Pool is an option when the sea is calm enough.

What medical care is available?

There is a doctor and a small clinic, but major problems may require evacuation by ship. That can mean waiting days or weeks.

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